Community Foundation Power Couple - WINTER 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
:
S
IS
M
’T
DON
Du
P a g e F oun ord
WINTER 2021
Rec
da
io
Ce n Sup
t
ns ports
us C
ount
Gerald and Tiffany Lewis
Community
Foundation
Power Couple
Contact us at:
3000 Woodcreek Dr., Suite 310
Downers Grove, IL 60515-5408
630.665.5556
dupagefoundation.org
FOCUS | EDITORIAL
A Letter From the CEO
The Foundation has been working to achieve our mission during this
unprecedented period. We’ve done this by raising and granting $1.7 million in
COVID-19 Response Fund donations to 97 local not-for-profits that work within
our community to help our vision become reality and to alleviate hardships due
to the pandemic. We also granted $363,192 through our signature Community
Needs Grant Program to 36 organizations in the areas of education, arts & culture,
environment and animal welfare. In addition to our grantmaking, we welcomed
four new Trustees to our Board. They are:
Julius W. (Wes) Betsy Goltermann Gerald E. Lewis Jr. James G. (Jim) Myers
Becton III Elmhurst Naperville Glen Ellyn
Elmhurst
Read more about their service and outstanding career paths at dupagefoundation.org/NewTrustees.
Leaving the Board, but not their service to the Foundation, are: Also, new leaders have been
confirmed to our committees:
Karen Fleming
Next Generation Initiative (NGI)
Steering Committee chair
Naperville
Denice A. Gierach Denise A. Horne Ernest J. Mrozek
Aurora Naperville Hinsdale Brandy Harrington
Professional Advisor Committee vice chair
We thank them for their years of support and counsel. Lombard
In other news, we’ve freshened our website, released our FY20 Henry Kaskov
annual report and hired new staff. Our Arts DuPage and NGI Steering Committee vice chair
Geneva
Bright & Early DuPage initiatives are making great strides
as you will see on the following pages. Megan Shebik
Bylaws Committee vice chair
All of this work couldn’t be done without your support
Wheaton
in time, treasure and talent. Thank you for helping us
in doing a world of good in our own backyard™.
David M. McGowan, CFRE Our Vision
To raise the quality of life throughout
DuPage County.
President & CEO Our Mission
DuPage Foundation To foster philanthropy, connect donors
to area needs, and build community
partnerships.
1 Foundation Focus | Winter 2020
WINTER 2021 CONTENTS
3000 Woodcreek Dr., Suite 310
ON THE COVER Downers Grove, IL 60515-5408
630.665.5556
Meet the Lewises dupagefoundation.org
Follow Us
5 facebook.com/DuPageFoundation
twitter.com/DuPageFdn
linkedin.com/company/
FEATURES dupage-foundation
Spotlight Ball Raises Find us on YouTube
More Than $460,000
3 Would you like to
DuPage Foundation receive this newsletter
Supports Record electronically?
7 Census Count Email Ginger Wheeler, director of
communications, at:
ginger@dupagefoundation.org
NEWS
Record Grantmaking in
Fall 2020
9-10 New Funds
PROFILE: The McMahons: Established
through January 2021
11 Charitable Giving For the
Next Generation ■ Crompton Family Fund
■ Hyett Family Fund
Next Generation Initiative
Virtual Trivia Night is Coming ■ Capt. Bernardo Iorgulescu
12 February 24 USMC Memorial Fund
■ Charlie and Kathy McKenna
What’s New with Family Fund
· Arts DuPage
13-14 · Bright & Early DuPage
· Foundation Staff & More
■ Mental Health Fund
■ Rothermel Family Fund
■ Thomas R. and Shirley A.
ON THE BACK Scott Fund
Volunteer News - Matt Booth
Foundation Focus | Winter 2020 2
FOCUS | FEATURES
Spotlight Ball Raises
More Than $460,000
From left: Dave McGowan, Dr. Supriya Jasuja, Greg Dellinger.
N Special Guests Featured
early 200 households representing
some of DuPage County’s most
Kara Murphy, president of DuPage Health Coalition,
dedicated philanthropists, business
talked about how her organization has benefited
executives, civic leaders and community-
from the Foundation’s support and offered colorful
minded residents came together on Saturday,
commentary and insights on short videos featuring
November 14, for a virtual celebration in
support of DuPage Foundation. Broadcast via the work of Bridge Communities, HCS Family
YouTube from NCTV17 studios in Naperville, Services and The Gardenworks Project.
the Spotlight Ball was a night to remember,
grossing more than $460,000 for Foundation Dr. Supriya Jasuja, an infectious disease specialist,
operations. offered thoughts on being a donor and volunteer
for DuPage Foundation and commentary on a
video featuring former Foundation Trustee and
Virtual Program and DuPage donor-advisor Dick Kuhn, a partner with Kuhn,
Delights Heap & Monson, a DuPage County law firm that
Event participants enjoyed a Zoom Happy Hour refers clients to the Foundation.
and Post-Party, a program co-hosted by Emcee
Greg Dellinger and Foundation President & CEO The program also featured music from the
Dave McGowan that highlighted stories from a Academy Award-winning composer John
sampling of Foundation grantees, donors, and Williams, performed by the New Philharmonic
volunteer leaders, and an online silent auction and Orchestra during a recent virtual concert at the
paddle raise. Many participants also opted to enjoy McAninch Arts Center (The Mac) in Glen Ellyn.
an enhanced experience that included a DuPage The concert excerpt was donated by DuPage
Delights box delivered to their homes containing Foundation Trustee Diana Martinez, director of
several treats purchased from local businesses. The Mac.
3 Foundation Focus | Winter 2020
Paddle Raise Topped Its Goal
More than $90,000 was generated through
the virtual, live paddle raise, thanks in part to a
generous $25,000 matching challenge from Earl
and Kay Harbaugh & Joe and Amy Weidenbach.
Sponsors Made a Big
Contribution
The Spotlight Ball marked Northern Trust’s ninth
year as the event’s leading sponsor. Success would
not have been possible without its partnership and
the support of our many other sponsors.
“Northern Trust values the work and impact
DuPage Foundation delivers,” said Greg Jordan,
Northern Trust’s senior vice president and senior
managing director. “Without DuPage Foundation’s
efforts in DuPage County, especially this year,
things would be much more bleak.
The Foundation was able to spring into action
when COVID-19 hit and it nimbly funneled much
needed funds to where they could be used
to alleviate suffering the most. By supporting
DuPage Foundation, we are supporting the
people of DuPage County.”
View the Program and Enjoy
Highlights
If you missed the program, you can still watch it
at dupagefoundation.org/Gala2020. You can
also view highlights of the evening’s festivities by
following the hashtag #DFSpotlight on Facebook,
LinkedIn and Twitter.
Thanks again to all of our event sponsors,
donors, participants and volunteers—especially
the Foundation’s Board of Trustees and
Benefit Committee—for helping us achieve
such outstanding results during a year of
unprecedented challenges and local need.
Your partnership is what fuels our ability to
continue doing a world of good in our own
backyardTM. ■
Foundation Focus | Winter 2020 4
FOCUS | FEATURES
Meet the Lewises
C
ommunity foundation power couple. to the environment to the arts,” said Tiffany,
That’s what comes to mind when Grants Director for DeKalb County Community
thinking of husband/wife team Gerald Foundation.
Lewis and Tiffany McQueen Lewis: Naperville
residents, devoted parents to three young In her current grantmaking role, Tiffany sees the
children and active community leaders. impact that a grant can have on a not-for-profit
and the people the organization supports as a
Tiffany and Gerald smile at the power couple ripple effect. “When you invest in a not-for-profit,
reference but agree the impact community you raise its ability to serve, and you see that
foundations can bring to specific geographic scale,” said Tiffany. “The number of people they
areas is significant. “Community foundations can reach grows and the quality of services they
are the center of the wheel—the conduit, the provide improves. It’s inspiring.”
bridge—to matching dollars from donors with
areas of need they’re passionate about,” said A prior wealth management role broadened
Gerald, Market President with BMO Harris Bank Gerald’s experiences with charitable giving and
and 2020 addition to the DuPage Foundation local philanthropy. He facilitated conversations with
Board of Trustees. “The sustainability of our local clients who had the passion, and the means, to
not-for-profits and the people they are helping give and connected them with not-for-profits of
depend on these contributions.” their choosing. In order to expand his knowledge of
area needs, Gerald joined the DuPage Foundation
How They Got Into the Grant Committee in 2017, where he saw firsthand
Community Foundation World the Foundation’s resourcefulness and ability to direct
funds to vetted organizations.
It is this passion for coordinated, local impact that
led both Gerald and Tiffany to the community
“I applaud the Foundation for its stewardship of
foundation world, a sector that connects people
funds and its understanding of what the local
who care with causes that matter. “Community
needs are,” said Gerald. “For DuPage County
foundations touch multiple organizations across
residents who may be in a position to give back,
various areas of need, ranging from education
wondering where their dollars should go, or what
5 Foundation Focus | Winter 2020
the best fit is for their support, I would always
recommend DuPage Foundation as a resource.”
Big Move Meant New Friends
Tiffany was at first skeptical of her relocation
to the suburbs. “I thought the suburbs would
make me feel isolated, like I’d be missing social
opportunities and opportunities to connect and
build community with others,” said Tiffany. “But Gerald and Tiffany with Tom Ricketts, owner of the Chicago
Cubs and keynote speaker at the Chicago Scholars Annual
the greater DuPage area feels like a city. We Onsite Luncheon. Gerald, who sits on the Chicago Scholars
eat in Downtown Naperville, enjoy paddle boat Board of Directors and serves as Development Chair,
rides, walk along the river, meet with diverse, helped organize the speaking engagement, a moment that
progressive-minded neighbors, see the quality avid Cubs fan Tiffany thoroughly enjoyed!
education our children are receiving and enjoy Finding Areas of Passion For Giving
top-notch park district offerings.”
Giving of their time and talents is another passion
Gerald added, “Everything is accessible, so it’s a of the Lewises. Both are actively involved in
great place to raise a family.” building career relationships, connecting with
nearby families and serving in multiple capacities
Among family and friends, the Lewises’ for area not-for-profits, including Chicago
philanthropic aspirations are a welcome addition Scholars, Giving DuPage, the West Suburban
to their conversations. “As we gain access and Chicago Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.,
exposure to local needs, it’s definitely a topic and Storycatchers Theatre, among others.
we’d like to continue to explore with those around
us,” said Tiffany. “I’ve always had a passion for minority youth
mentorship, giving people second chances and
Getting the Kids Involved making sure everyone has resources to build
themselves up,” said Gerald.
For example, during this year’s Giving DuPage
Days, Tiffany and Gerald included their children In addition to education, youth support, mental
by giving each $5 to donate to a not-for-profit. “I health and wellness, Tiffany’s focus areas include
learned more about my kids’ passions based on supporting organizations that serve, and are led
the organizations they selected,” said Tiffany. “We by, high populations of people of color. “While
hope this family philanthropy opportunity becomes serving diverse and disadvantaged populations
an annual tradition.” is critical to creating equity and access, it’s also
important to have diverse voices at the table in
the form of staff and board leadership,” she said.
Coming Full Circle
Through DuPage Foundation’s continued work
to strategically invest and effectively coordinate
donors’ gifts in order to maximize impact for area
needs, the Foundation is committed to ensuring
this impact is seen. The Lewises are confident that
intentional support of not-for-profits and transparent
communication to donors is vital to the Foundation’s
success in this endeavor. “Community foundations
are uniquely poised to show donors their dollars in
action, so they know exactly who their support is
Gerald and Tiffany with their three children, Paityn (4), touching,” said Tiffany. “Now, more than ever, it feels
Kaden (8) and Parker (4). good to be in this space.” ■
Foundation Focus | Winter 2020 6
FOCUS | FEATURES
DuPage Foundation Supports
Record Census Count
T
his is a story about community than $675 billion per year in federal funds spent
connections and demonstrates how on schools, hospitals, roads, public works and
DuPage Foundation continually carries other vital programs. For this reason, a $16,500
out its mission to foster philanthropy, connect grant was meant to assist in reaching the “hard-
donors to area needs and build community to-count” populations of our area for the 2020
partnerships. Census.
It all started when DuPage County kicked off The Federation reported local self-response
its local census effort. The County formed a efforts beat not only the national average (66.3%),
Complete Count committee, designating DuPage but also outpaced Illinois’ rate (70.7%). The 2020
Federation on Human Services Reform (the Census self-response rate in DuPage County was
Federation) as the agency to lead the count 80.6%, compared with the final self-response rate
among “hard-to-count” populations. These of 77.3% for the 2010 Census.
cohorts include those in the categories of low
income, minority, non-citizen, homeless and other DuPage was ranked 31 out of 3,000 counties
similarly marginalized populations. in the country, according to Jordan Durrett, a
Federation research analyst with expertise on
using Census numbers for the benefit of the
“You cannot community.
understate the
importance of these In addition, according to minutes of the June,
2020, Complete Count Committee meeting,
numbers” Naperville ranked first in the nation for its effort
in the category of “cities with a population of
– Jordan Durrett, Federation Research Analyst 140,000 or more.” Naperville’s effort began
in September, 2019, and ultimately involved
The decision was made to fund the Federation’s recruiting and communicating with more than 100
work because, for every person counted, Naperville-area organizations to get the message
thousands of federal dollars flow back to out to its residents on the importance of being
the region. By responding to the census, counted.
communities get their fair share of the more
7 Foundation Focus | Winter 2020
Why DuPage Foundation Is
Involved in the U.S. Census DuPage Foundation’s grant
Count Here to the Federation was
DuPage Foundation got involved with the Census supported by the following
count effort because of its long relationship with DuPage Foundation funds:
the Federation and an awareness of the need.
Foundation VP for Programs Barb Szczepaniak ■ Companions’ Fund
learned about the Census issues at a Federation
■ Daley Family Fund
forum meeting.
■ DuPage Forever Fund
Szczepaniak said, “I learned of the barriers and ■ Robert and Laurie McMahon
challenges to counting various populations in Family Fund
our community and how important it was to get
out the right types of messages. The Federation
needed assistance to craft specific messages to
each type of population, so the Foundation made Census Success Translates
the opportunity availability to our donor-advisor to More Federal Funding for
community. Along with DuPage Foundation fund Human Service Needs in the
holders who stepped up (see sidebar), DuPage Future
Foundation’s own DuPage Forever Fund, which
is fueled by general contributions from donors, Durrett credited the Foundation for being so
contributed funds to meet the need.” flexible with the grant. “Had (the grant) been
more rigid, I don’t think we would have been able
to adapt it to the pandemic which was a huge
The funds also helped the Federation continue its
curve-ball in the process. We rapidly changed our
work in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an
plans to adjust to the rapidly changing situation.
example, typically there would be more in-person
I really do credit the Foundation for that flexibility.
meetings and hand delivery of information, but
The Federation and the Foundation have worked
with the pandemic, those efforts were shifted to
together on many projects and the relationship,
virtual meetings and
the administration of the grant and the
electronic delivery of
communication between our two organizations
information through
made that flexibility possible. The ROI on this
any means possible
investment is going to be amazing over the
including websites
years,” said Durrett. ■
and social media.
ABOUT THE FEDERATION
DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform is a collaboration of government
and key community organizations that identify ways a local community can
address its human services needs using its own resources and resourcefulness.
The Federation’s mission is to generate cross-sector solutions that leverage
expertise to address the human service needs of the DuPage region. The
Federation was formed in 1995 by a governor’s office initiative as one of five ‘learning laboratories’ whose
role was to demonstrate a new approach to collaboration between government and community in the
implementation of welfare reform. Since that time, the role has evolved far beyond those origins. Today, the
Federation is a non-profit planning and change management organization that has been intimately involved
in the development of the health care safety net and has helped expand the health and human service
system to better meet the needs of the area’s changing population.
Foundation Focus | Winter 2020 8
FOCUS | NEWS
Fall Community Needs
Grantmaking Hits $363,192
DuPage Foundation President & CEO Dave McGowan (pictured second from right) presents a check to Naper Settlement
to commemorate the Community Needs grant provided by DuPage Foundation to Naper Settlement with L to R: Julie
Nelligan, director of development, Naper Settlement; John Koranda, immediate past chair, Naperville Heritage Society
board; Rena Tamayo-Calabrese, president & CEO, Naper Settlement.
D
uPage Foundation’s volunteer Grant grant programs have separate qualifications
Committee Chair, Megan Shebik, and application cycles, but happened to
donated countless hours last fall as coincide along the same schedule to meet the
she led not one, but two, committees to community’s needs and alleviate hardships due to
review and make DuPage Foundation grants. the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through its signature Community Needs
Grant Program, the Foundation bestowed Community Needs Grant
grants on 36 not-for-profit organizations that Program Stayed the Course
serve the residents of DuPage County for a
total of $363,192. The Community Needs Grant Program is
administered twice each year, in the spring and
fall. Each fall, the program supports not-for-
“The pain people profits in the areas of education, arts & culture,
are experiencing environment and animal welfare. The spring
during this grants are focused on health & human services.
pandemic has Applications for the 2021 spring grant cycle are
due Friday, March 5, 2021, 5:00 p.m. Central. ■
really ramped up
the need in our For more information about DuPage Foundation’s
community.” Community Needs Grant Program and its most recent
recipients, please see dupagefoundation.org/CNGP
- Megan Shebik, Chair
DuPage Foundation Grant Committee
For more information about DuPage
Even as she was conducting this effort, Shebik Foundation’s grant programs, contact
also chaired a committee that was reviewing grants Barb Szczepaniak, vice president for
through the Foundation’s COVID-19 Response programs, barb@dupagefoundation.org
Fund program, as detailed on page 10. The two or call 630.598.5280.
9 Foundation Focus | Winter 2020FOCUS | NEWS
COVID-19 Response Fund
Grants Continue to Provide Relief
S
ince last April, $1.7 million has
been awarded from the Foundation’s
COVID-19 Response Fund through five
rounds of funding.
During the fall and early winter, DuPage
Foundation distributed $700,000 in COVID-19
Response Fund grants to provide relief to local
not-for-profit organizations greatly affected by
the pandemic. Through a fourth round of grant
funding in November, 44 organizations received
$400,000. A fifth round of grants totaling
$300,000 was distributed in December to 24
arts organizations.
Retired, former president of College of DuPage, See more about the work of DuPage
Dr. Sunil Chand, said, “DuPage Foundation has Foundation’s Arts DuPage initiative to
always come across to me as something that’s secure $300,000 in emergency grant
very close to its community. Stuck at home, we funding for our area’s arts-related businesses
couldn’t go out and volunteer, so where could and programs on page 13.
we give our money to help? DuPage Foundation
immediately launched its COVID-19 Response at the same time their volunteer base and
Fund and that was a godsend.” revenue streams have dwindled. Confirming this,
Sarah O’Donnell, CEO, Tri-Town YMCA, has seen
the need for her organization’s services multiply
“If we didn’t have a
exponentially.
community foundation
… we would be lost. Vice President for Programs Barb Szczepaniak
It’s been everything said, “When reading grant applications, I am
our community always amazed by the incredible work of our
has needed at this local not-for-profits, but this year their efforts
moment in time, and were beyond impressive considering the many
challenges they have encountered. A big
this moment of crisis.”
thank you to the staff and volunteers of those
– Sarah O’Donnell, CEO organizations who have courageously worked
Tri-Town YMCA on the front line helping those most in need in
DuPage County. Unfortunately, the impact of
Grant Committee Chair Megan Shebik led the COVID-19 made the grant review process even
COVID-19 Response Fund grant committee more difficult this year because the need is so
volunteers as they read and double-checked vast but the financial resources are limited. I want
every grant request. Since the start of the to thank our committee members for their tireless
pandemic, the committee reviewed 205 support and the countless hours they spent over
COVID-19 Response Fund grant applications. the past several months reviewing applications
and making difficult decisions regarding grants.” ■
The organizations that received grants were in
great need of financial support as their expenses For more information about this program and its grant
and efforts to help people in need have increased recipients, please see dupagefoundation.org/COVID
Foundation Focus | Winter 2020 10FOCUS || PROFILE
FOCUS NEWS
All In the Family:
Charitable Giving For the Next Generation
P
hilanthropy translates from its Greek origins as “love of human kind.” There are many ways
to be philanthropic in our society. Joining DuPage Foundation’s Next Generation Initiative
(NGI) is one way to learn more about how philanthropy works and who can benefit from your
philanthropic intentions. It’s also an exciting way for current philanthropists to engage their adult
children with DuPage Foundation.
Multi-Generational Philanthropy president for advancement. “Many of our established
fundholders enjoy learning about featured charities
(or “Getting the Kids Involved”) they haven’t heard of before and others often step
Laurie McMahon, of Hinsdale, is one person who up to provide matching funds to help NGI grant
has found joy in the experience of giving back dollars go further. Having a diverse mix of ages
while encouraging her children to get involved. involved is incredibly fun, and it’s inspiring to see
“It’s not easy to get your adult children involved cross-generational relationships being built and
with charities you care about,” said McMahon. strengthened through collaborative philanthropy.”
“They’re
busy, have Often, There’s a Personal
busy lives Connection
and, just
because McMahon’s own introduction to philanthropy came
you care about when her son Daniel was enrolled in Child’s
about a Voice, a school for young children with hearing
cause, impairments.
service or
program, Daniel got involved with Child’s Voice, first as
From left, son-in-law John Mastandona ,
doesn’t an event participant, then as an event keynote
son Andrew, Laurie McMahon, son Daniel, mean they speaker and is now helping the agency organize
daughter Caroline. will. NGI, its fundraising events. McMahon said, “The school
however, helped him at a critical point in his life and now he’s
covers a lot of bases and is a fun way for able to give back. That’s very gratifying for me as a
younger people, or people new to organized parent.” ■
philanthropy to not only learn more, but also
have fun doing it,” she said. 2021 Corporate Sponsor
NGI is one way to ease young adult
philanthropists into a bigger role without a lot of
stress or a huge learning curve. “I love to see my
children giving back,” said McMahon. The Next Generation Initiative (NGI) is a group of
community-minded individuals working to effect
a positive impact within DuPage by engaging
Raising the Quality of Life for and empowering our county’s next generation of
Others philanthropic leaders and volunteers and providing them
with opportunities to connect, learn and give back.
NGI also brings families and donors of different
ages together. “While NGI was originally What Is NGI?
contemplated as a means to engage younger NGI offers opportunities for like-minded community
community leaders and donors, we’ve found leaders of all ages to join together to learn about
philanthropy, participate in the giving process, volunteer
that constituents of all ages enjoy participating in and help raise the quality of life for the residents of
NGI and connecting with each other,” said Mike DuPage County.
Sitrick, JD, CFRE, DuPage Foundation’s vice
11 Foundation Focus | Winter 2020FOCUS | NEWS
Next Generation Initiative
Makes an Impact
F
or nearly 15 years, DuPage Foundation’s Next
Generation Initiative (NGI) has been a catalyst for helping
young professionals and community members cultivate
and explore their philanthropic passions. Consisting of more
than 80 individual members and families and overseen by a
steering committee of dedicated volunteer leaders, NGI has
featured more than 30 local not-for-profits at its quarterly
events and granted out nearly $100,000 since its founding.
By shining a spotlight on these agencies, NGI gives a voice to organizations—large and small—that are
making a difference for our community while providing a forum for new and seasoned philanthropists to
connect, learn and give back.
Members and sponsors provide the fuel for NGI grants and activities. Members donate annually at a
variety of levels beginning at $100, while sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to help underwrite
an event to as high as $7,500 for a top-tier season sponsor at the Gold level. These contributions and
other donations are then pooled into a permanent charitable endowment fund designed to grow and
provide impactful grants to local not-for-profits. ■
Partner with us as a 2021 member or sponsor to connect, learn and give back alongside other community leaders
and philanthropists! For more information visit dupagefoundation.org/NGI or contact Kait Balsewicz, CFRE,
Foundation development officer, at 630.598.5292 or kait@dupagefoundation.org.
NGI Charity Trivia
N GI’s flagship event, Charity Trivia, is back for its fourth year!
This event usually sells out quickly but, because it is virtual
this year, everyone can join in on the fun. Teams of up to eight
people, gathered virtually or with their households, will compete
for bragging rights—including their team’s name on the Charity
Trivia trophy—and the opportunity to recommend a grant to their
favorite DuPage not-for-profit! Register now for this not-to-be-
missed fundraiser on Wednesday, February 24, at 7:00 p.m.
Thank you to our The Center for Financial Literacy at North Central College was thrilled to be selected
Event Patron:
as the winning team’s charity of choice in 2020,” said Dr. Ryan Decker, the Center’s
director. “Through this grant, we were able to expand our financial education
programs at local DuPage high schools and other community organizations. We
are grateful for NGI’s support as we seek to improve the financial literacy of our
community.”
Team registrations for up to eight people (gathering virtually) are $180 and tickets for individuals (to be
placed on a virtual team) are $30. ■
To register for Charity Trivia or join NGI as a 2021 member, visit NGITrivia2021.givesmart.com.
Foundation Focus | Winter 2020 12FOCUS | NEWS
Financial Relief Is Music to
Local Arts Organizations’ Ears
W
hile struggling
arts organizations
across DuPage
County tested their creative
financing skills, DuPage
Foundation’s Arts DuPage initiative worked on its
own challenge: to unearth critical relief for local arts
entities plagued with economic hardships caused by
COVID-19 restrictions.
In partnership with DuPage County Board member
Sheila Rutledge, Arts DuPage secured $300,000 in
December through the County’s Federal Coronavirus
Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds
for local arts organizations.
“Our board is VERY grateful to have
Fast Turnaround
Th
received this grant. It has a huge
Facing a window of only three weeks, Arts DuPage impact on a small
and DuPage Foundation moved at warp speed to organization such as
collect grant applications from organizations in the ours as we try to keep
creative sector. Foundation volunteers thoroughly our staff on board
and expeditiously reviewed all submissions, with a during this extended
focus on specific criteria required for CARES Act pandemic. We’ve
funds. Grant checks were deployed to 24 local pinched about every
arts organizations by December 30 to navigate the
penny we can so we
adversities ahead until in-person gathering restrictions
can be lifted.
can avoid impacting our staff.”
Explore local arts offerings for much-needed creativity, - Dave Mueller, Naperville Men’s Glee Club
joy and inspiration at artsdupage.org.
Arts DuPage Month Was a Smash Hit!
A rts DuPage Month is an annual celebration of the arts in DuPage County. Each October,
local arts organizations offer unique programs and special discounts to stimulate awareness
of and engagement in the vast artistic and cultural activities in the region. Arts DuPage was
determined to maintain this tradition and initiated a safe alternative to COVID restrictions with the
#ArtsDuPageMonthChallenge.
Daily social media posts throughout the month featured artists and arts organizations and kept virtual arts
offerings in the forefront. Those featured were asked to challenge others to post their arts passions with the
hashtag #ArtsDuPageMonthChallenge to expand the visibility of the arts in DuPage County.
The results showed a 643% increase in traffic to artsdupage.org, demonstrating the general public’s interest
in arts offerings and area artists’ connection with the Arts DuPage initiative. ■
Read more about the #ArtsDuPageMonthChallenge at dupagefoundation.org/ArtsDuPageMonthChallenge.
13 Foundation Focus | Winter 2020FOCUS | NEWS
Bright & Early DuPage Sponsors
“Community Begins at Home” Event
F
or six years of advocate and activist.
her childhood,
Erin Merryn Through the Bright &
was sexually Early DuPage (B&ED)
abused and initiative, DuPage
forced through fear and intimidation to keep the Foundation provided
secret. Since 2004, however, Erin has traveled key sponsorship for
across the United this event, which
States, testifying to was organized by
lawmakers to pass Project HELP, an
new laws in 37 initiative that serves
states (including parents and families
Illinois) to prevent in DuPage County
others from through home-based
ITED
LY INV
YOU A
R E CO RDIAL
OJ E C T H ELP unknowingly mentoring and
the PR
TO AT
TEND
o m e E v e nt allowing parent education
H
Begins at
Free Event! ceive Erin Merryn, Child Abuse Survivor
tendee
s will re
m m u n it y something training to help them
Co
300 at book,
he first Merryn’s
of Erin
ange
for Ch
t.
a copy in able Ac
Voices
im ag
An Un
similar to stay resilient, connected and supported on their
te
r websi 20
Please
visit ou :
e r 15, 20 L !
ster
ptem b A
to regi e.org
ay, Se . TU
VIR
ag
:00 p.m
happen to their parenting journey.
up
projec
thelpd Tuesd
7:00–8 W
ent su
pports NO
This ev
own children.
n.
eventio ryn
use pr : Erin
Mer
child ab
y
EAKER sexuall
in was
OTE SP od, Er ay in he
r
KEYN childho
A major component of B&ED is to provide support
of her cked aw across
six years r se cret lo s tra veled
Fo r g he in ha
keepin 04, Er od of
abused nce 20 childho pass
di ary. Si ph over a akers to
Today, Erin and education for parents and this event highlighted
od um m
childho g her tri ing to
law s pass
ed
olitan chic
ago
sharin testify Law ha
d by ywc
a metrop America e an d also 20 , Erin’s as ha med
powere abus ary 20 once at
sexual of Janu A voice ened th
Law. As ate of Illinois. s has now op
is an author,
3)
VE (568
the long-term impact of childhood trauma and the
357-LO 0 Erin’s st or cr us ade
(630)
Road,
Suite 90 r hom
e sed do pable
. Diehl ding he nd clo unstop
1815 W , IL 60
563
ates, inclu pp en ed behi id em ic in an
lle st ep
what ha t
rvi in 37
Nape a silen
to tell
door to
anyone
the wo
rld to
and vo
expose
ice on
sexual
abuse.
DER AW
ECIPIE
ARD R er in the
NT:
childhood importance of connecting families with the resources
that are focused on preventing it.■
a face Lead
to put G LEA Outstanding meeting
sexual
N D IN
OUTSTAes Stelter is tive change an sources
an d
Dr. Jam , making eff ding ensuring . Stelter is
ec re
unity s inclu . Dr
comm ovided
assault
familie is an
eds of ucatio
n is pr ity and
the ne mmun r of
qu ality ed in g the co pporte
and hi
gh th en an su
d
d to streng oj ec t HELP s in clu ding
te ie
survivor,
dedica er to Pr y capa
cit
ion by
le partn in man mmiss
invaluab an impact nd ing co ns en ville
In case you missed it, you can still watch Erin’s talk
es fu r Be
ter mak ildhood ent fo
Dr. Stel early ch rintend
to the e Supe
child abuse
ission.
our m named d as th
nt ly being ss e Ruiz an
during last fall’s “Community Begins at Home” event
rece or Je
Govern ce 2010
.
Deputy t 2 sin
prevention
Distric
School
RS!
dupagefoundation.org/ProjectHelp
ONSO
ING SP
R LEAD
TO OU
K YOU
THAN
New Foundation Staff
D
uPage Foundation welcomed Yusra Javed Chaudhry in October,
2020, as graphic designer. She earned her master’s degree in
graphic design & visual experience from the Savannah College
of Art and Design in 2019. She then earned a
certificate in social media marketing in 2020 from
DePaul University in Chicago. Prior to her graduate
studies, Yusra worked with a variety of design and
advertising agencies in India. She is passionate Yusra kayaking in Herrick
about volunteerism and community engagement Lake Forest Preserve in
and has worked to support a number of local not- Wheaton.
for-profit organizations in the Chicago area since moving here in 2016.
Yusra resides in Oak Brook with her husband and travels to India annually to visit her
Yusra Javed Chaudhry
family. As a true nature lover, she enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking.■
Learn more about Yusra at dupagefoundation.org/Staff
Foundation Focus | Winter 2020 143000 Woodcreek Dr., Suite 310
Downers Grove, IL 60515-5408
630.665.5556
dupagefoundation.org
Electronic Service Requested
Please contact our office if you
have corrections to your address
information. THANK YOU!
BRATIN
LE
35
CE
G
1986 2021
YEARS
Du
ti o
n
Pa
ge Founda
Matt Booth, Longest-Tenured DuPage
Foundation Volunteer
M
att Booth recently retired as partner at PwC where he was recognized
for his expertise in both internal and external audit after nearly 30 years.
His longevity also extends to his involvement as a DuPage Foundation
volunteer with a continuous record of service since 1998.
At that time, he was working on an audit for Nalco Chemical (now part of Ecolab)
in Naperville where he was recruited by Foundation Trustee, Finance Committee
chair and Nalco SVP Dave Bertran, as well as Committee member and Nalco
director of treasury operations Terry Taylor who, with his wife, Maureen Sullivan
Taylor, would later establish a donor-advised fund at DuPage Foundation. Matt
was a member of the Finance Committee until it split into the Audit, Financial
Operations and Investment committees in 2005. He then served as chair of the
Audit Committee from 2005-2008. He has been on the Financial Operations
Committee since 2009.
“Matt’s commitment and loyalty to the Foundation over all these years is
commendable but it’s his knowledge, intuition and deep understanding of the Foundation and its
operations that make him such a valued committee member. Plus, he is a prince of a guy and we all
really enjoy working with him,” said Foundation President & CEO Dave McGowan. ■
Read more about Matt’s career at dupagefoundation.org/Booth.
TM
Doing a world of good in our own backyard TMYou can also read
